ALA Chapter Relations Committee (CRC)

Charge

To develop and recognize chapters as integral components of ALA. To encourage discussion, activities and programs that support the mutual interests of ALA and the chapters. To advise when requested on proposals and actions of other ALA units that may affect chapters. To provide a forum wherein chapters can share ideas and concerns of common interest and identify common needs and goals. To communicate these chapter needs and goals to ALA and ALA goals, programs and priorities to the chapters. To encourage and maintain a cooperative and supportive relationship among ALA, its units, and the chapters. To formulate and review periodically requirements for chapter status. To serve as an advisory committee to the Chapter Relations Office.

Resources

ALA Connect is a centralized space where official ALA groups can work together online.

Chapter Answers leads to explanations on how the ALA and ALA Chapters partnership works and provides easy access to ALA resources for Chapters.

Chapter Issues are where Chapters share with each other how they address issues.

Chapter Councilors represent state chapters on the ALA Council. There is no current regional chapter representation.

Chapter Leaders Forum, presented by the ALA Chapter Relations Committee at each ALA Midwinter and Annual, provides a great opportunity for Chapter Leaders (especially incoming leaders) to meet together and prepares them to lead their associations (see also What ALA Does for Chapters).

ALA’s Conference Planning Calendar includes chapter conferences. To have your ALA Chapter, ALA Affiliates, and Division Conferences, Institutes, or Workshops included in this calendar, please contact Don Wood, Chapter Relations Office, with the dates and location.

Composition

The Chapter Relations Committee consists of 11 members appointed from the membership at large, serving two-year terms, and led by a chair, appointed annually.

Chapter Leaders Forum

The Chapter Leaders Forum, presented by the ALA Chapter Relations Committee at each ALA Midwinter and Annual, provides a great opportunity for Chapter Leaders (especially incoming leaders) to meet together and prepares them to lead their association. The forum presents topics of interest to chapter leaders, including association management, advocacy, conference planning, social media, and membership development and retention.